Flexible grille with distinctive character design



y 1937. M. CORNELL A 2,078,926

FLEXIBLE GRILLE WITH DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER DESI GN Filed June 26, 1956 3 Sheets-Shqet 1 ATTORNEYS May 4, 1937.

M. L. CORNELL El AL FLEXIBLE GRILLE WITH DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER DESIGN Filed June 26, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IIIMIIUWW ATTORNEYS y 4, 1937. M. L. CORNELL E1- AL 2,078,926

FLEXIBLE GRILLE WITH DISTINCTI VE CHARACTER DESIGN 7 Filed June 26, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 I ".f' ,AV,V.V.

72 "J -Ilium Iggy-g. I IN TOR I 1Z BYVM Patented May 4, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FLEXIBLE ennui wfrn DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER DESIGN Y Application June 26, 1936, Serial No. 87,492

18 Claims.

This invention is concerned with improvements in closure devices of the flexible grille type. A primaryrequirement of such devices is that they be freely flexible to permit operation to a retracted position which in accordance with a common arrangement involves a coiling thereof around a roll, but which in extended closed position must provide a rigid barrier against passage 7 through the opening, while at the same time permitting the free passage of light and air.

A particular object of the present invention is to pro vide such a type structure with a distinctive character design, while at the same time attaining and preserving all of the features of flexilli bility, lightness of weight andstrength of decided importance in such structures. The invention is well adapted to meet these require ments and, in addition, provides for the incorporation in the grille of a special design of a dis- 20 tinctive character which results in an appearance of individualism and special attractiveness. Such special design may for exampletake the form of one or more initials of the owner, or comprise a house address number for example, or an unique 25 symbol. In accordance with a particularly advantageous form of the invention the elements which combinedly form the individual design perform the additional function of serving as supporting links in the grille, thereby avoiding any an excessive weight. The initial or other distinctive design is comprised of segmental parts which may be in fact links, and there is no interference with the flexibility of the grille as a whole.

In accordance with the principles of this in- 35 vention, a large numberof such grilles may be manufactured on substantially a standard basis, but which grilles in the final assembly may each be distinctive and strikingly different from the other grilles. Such grilles may be made, there- 40 fore, without substantial increase in cost of materials or labor.

Other objects of the invention will in part be bodying one form of the present invention showing the grille in closed position in a normal environment;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of certain segmental parts comprising the alphabetical letter embod- 5 led in the grille of Fig. 1, such view being in general taken from the rear thereof;

Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are detail views respectively, showing different forms of devices or arrangements for maintaining the location and spacing 10 of the vertical supporting links;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary view of the flexible grille showing a somewhat different form of construction for embodying a character design there- Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one of the links, which are combined in Fig. 7 to form the letter Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view showing a further form of construction for embodying the character design in a grille;

Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view takenv on the line ill-l0 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of one of the links of Fig. 9, which is combined with others therein to form the letter B;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view illustrating still another manner of incorporating in a grille a distinctive character design involving the use of a split link;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary view in cross-section taken on the line l3|3 of Fig. 12; and

Fig. 14 is an exploded view of a portion of the letter C and the supporting parts of Fig. 12, looking in general at the rear thereof.

.In the general view of Fig. 1 there is shown a flexible grille indicated generally at i5, operable in the opening Hi. The type of grille here shown is adapted to be retracted at will, as, for example, coiled on an overhead roll. It will be understood that the side portions of the grille are confined within, and operate in suitable vertical guides. A construction well adapted for this purpose is shown in the patent to M. L. Cornell 2,027,153 granted January '7, 1936, and which patentlikewise shows a suitable construction for supporting the ends of the horizontal rods l1 and maintaining the grille in desired alignment.

As shown in Fig. 1 the grille is provided with a plurality of vertical links l8 adapted to flexibly interconnect the adjacent horizontal rods I'I, suitable means being provided to locate and maintain the vertical links in position against transverse shifting along the rods H, which means will be described shortly. In accordance with the objects of this invention, the grille shown in Fig. 1 embodies therein a distinctive character design shown generally at I! in the form of a letter C which may be the initial of the owner of the property.

It is a primary feature of this invention that the design is made in segmental form adapted to freely flex with the grille and the respective segments serving the double function of contributing to the design and acting as vertical supporting links between adjacent horizontal bars IT. The design does not, therefore, materially add to the weight of the grille. In the example shown, the respective segments extend substantially the width between adjacent rods and therefore are capable of being coiled with the grille on a small radius. It would be apparent, however, that the extent of the individual segments is dependent upon the particular circumstances, including the spacing between the horizontal rods and the conditions and size of the coil upon which the grille is wound in case that is the means provided for retracting the grille to the open position of the passageway.

The exact construction of the design of-Fig. 1 may be more easily appreciated by reference to Fig. 2, from which it will be seen that each segment is provided with hinge members in the form of ears or flanges or other suitable projecting parts through which the corresponding horizontal rods i1 is inserted. For example, the segment 20 is provided with the ear 2ia, through which the particular horizontal rod i'ia (see Fig. 1) is inserted, the particular link I8a also having a bearing thereon and occupying a position between the two loops 22a of the ear 2im. These ears or hinge members, it will be appreciated, may be made integral with the respective segments or secured thereto in any suitable manner such as by spot-welding. The successive segments 20, 2i, and 22 are shown as having interlocking and mating hinge parts. The intermediate design segments 23 may have similar ears or may conveniently be made with rearwardly extending flange portions having apertures therein for the corresponding horizontal bars II. It will be appreciated that Fig. 2 is merely a fragmentary view and that the middle one of the sections 23 has been moved forward out of the plane of the adjoining sections 23 thereby better to show the individual construction. As shown in Fig. 2, the next successive segment 24 corresponds in general with segment 22. Without further descrip-- tion it will be apparent that each of these segments operates as a link supporting the corresponding adjacent horizontal rods and is capable of ready flexing for coiling of the grille.

It is a fundamental requirement in structures of this nature that the vertical supporting links be maintained in position on the horizontal rods, properly spaced and in correct alignment. Accordingly, the grille shown will have means to that end; such means will be applied in a manner corresponding to the particular links which combine to form the distinctive character design. Various means may be employed for this purpose, the details of which are not shown in the general view of Fig. 1, but which may be, for example, of a nature like that appearing in Fig. 3, comprising the small knobs 25, which may be pinched or struck up from the rods il in any suitable manner and occupy positions on opposite sides of the vertical links i8. It will be noted that the successive segments of the character design, namely, the letter C in Fig. 1 are 111- terlocking and the alignment and proper relation of these segments would be maintained by merely providing such knobs adjacent the loops 22a of the segments 2| and 26 with preferably one or more such knobs adjacent the hinged portion of one of the segments at the other extreme side of the letter C, such as segment 21.

In the design shown incorporated in Fig. 1,

the respective segments on their outer face are made flat and when the grille is in the extended position of Fig. 1 closely abut to form a continuous plane surface which stands out in marked contrast to the surrounding grille structure. Such contrast may be further enhanced by making the outer design surface of a different metal or applying thereto an enamel or paint of a selected color and character and which will lend to the grille, as a whole, a very striking and attractive appearance.

Other means have been developed for maintaining the position and alignment of the vertical links, a particularly simple, effective and economical type being shown in the.fragmentary view of Fig. 4. In this case the rods i! are provided with sectional sleeve parts 28 which may be freely rotatable thereon and readily slipped over the rods'in the assembly of the grille and will be, for the most part, of standard lengths. These sleeves may be made of suitable selected material in accordance with factors of economy, appearance, strength and weight, aluminum having the particular advantage among others of being exceptionlly light weight. It will be understood that the ends of the rods are mounted in suitable end links, the arrangement shown in the above noted Patent No. 2,027,153 being well adapted to grilles of this general construction. With such end links the successive sleeve portions'28 and the interposed links it are strictly confined to their exact position as shown, for example, in Fig. 4, but which sleeve sections permit free angular movement of the links on the respective rods ii. In the event that the design woven into the grille, such as that of Fig. 1, requires sleeve sections of a slightly different length, this ,may readily be provided for since these sleeve sections are of light weight material and may be readily cut to any length desired in the progressive assembling of the grille.

There is shown in Fig. 5, however, a further type of sleeve spacer means which is readily adjustable to provide spacers of different length and may be usedadvantageously where the arrangement is such as to require spacing means of considerable variation. This spacer means is comprised of two telescoping sleeve parts 30 and Si, which may be readily expanded or contracted to provide the overall length, and after being so adjusted, permanently secured in that position by some suitable means applied to the flanged portion 32 of the outer sleeve and 33 of the inner sleeve, as, for example, by means of spotwelding or drilling and riveting in place, at an appropriate point 34.

A further type of spacing means may consist of a coiled wire, such as a continuous coil with the loops bearing against each other or with the loops spaced in accordance with Fig. 6. As there shown the spacer means comprises the loops 35 spaced by the horizontal extending straight portion 36. It will be understood that the spacing means of Fig. 6 is adaptedto be employed in the manner shown by the sleeves 28 of Fig. 4, the spacer means of Fig. 6 having the characteristic of being of particularly light into a grille a distinctive character design, the

letter F having been selected as illustrative in this case. As here shown, the links which combine to form the letter F" are of a standard uniform size and shape, one such link 38 being shown in perspective in Fig. 8, comprising spaced lower ears 39 and an upper ear 40, the respective ears being assembled in interlocked relation ,on the adjacent rods as shown in Fig. '7. It

will be observed that in this form of construction the individual links present the same appearancefrom either side and the design occupies a position in the plane of the grille. In the casewhere the design happens to be of asymmetrical nature it will appear identical from either side of the grille. If desired, suitable short sleeve sections may be interposed to complete the uniformlty'and harmony of the design in various openings, such as the sleeve portions 4| as shown in Fig. '7, and the further short sleeve portions .42 where appropriate.

As in the case of Fig. 1, the spacing of the ing the letter F may be accomplished in accordance with the various forms in Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6, but as illustrated in Fig. 7, the spacer means comprises sleeve members corresponding to that shown at 28 in Fig. 4. One such sleeve 43 is shown partly broken away in Fig. '7 and this is also illustrated at 44.

It will be seen that the respective character design segments 38 function mechanically in exactly the same manner as normal vertical links l8, and the grille will be flexible and capable of being coiled on the same small radius as a corresponding grille not provided with such a design. The whole grille may be quickly assembled with but very slight departure from the normal assembly of a grille structure comprising the general system of the grille of Figs. 1 and 7.

Another form of construction exemplifying the invention is shown in Fig. 9. Here the respective segments, which combine to produce the finished character when the grille is in the extended or vertical closing position, are provided with outer flat surfaces forming a continuously extending plane surface, as is particularly apparent from the sectional view of Fig. 10. A typical link 46 is shown in Fig. 11 and a corresponding link is similarly designated in Fig. 9. As particularly shownin Figs. 10 and 11, the outer surfaces of the segments or links which combine to form the finished design are offset outwardly from the plane of thecenters of the ears 4! and 48 through which extend the rods l1, these ears 4! and 48 being formed thereon in any desirable manner such as being made integral therewith or riveted or welded thereon. If desired, special sleeve members. such as those indicated at 49 and 50 may be employed to lend additional harmony and attractiveness to the design as a whole. In general, the maintenance of the links I8 in spaced relation may be accomplished in any suitable manner such as through any one of the means shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6. It will be seen that the-successive segments of the design are interlocked and that the design as a whole is maintained in complete and positive alignment through the bearing points at the four corners indicated at 5|, 52, 53, and 54 respectively, although additional means for restraining the parts from transverse movement may be employed if preferred.

In the various methods, above discussed, of producing the particular design desired, the segments thereofhave been illustrated as solid links which are woven into the flexible grille. As illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, however, it will be seen that the links or segments which combine to form the design may be produced by making the contour of the design in separate plates, and securing the plates to the grille after it has been otherwise completely fabricated. Ks shown in Fig. 12, these design segments comprise upper and lower plates 56 and 61 respectively, and the adjoining vertical plates 58 and 59. The lower plate 51 is broken away in Fig. 12' better to show the link and securing means.

The grille in'gene'ral is similar to previously .described constructions such as that of Fig. 1,

and comprises the lateral rods 60 th the vertical links 6| held in alignment y the sleeves 62. A particularly important feat re of the arrangement of Figs. 12 to 14 com rises the split link construction which contributes to a large extent to the ready, effective and. economical application of designs to existing grilles. The construction of these split links is shown most clearly in the exploded view of Fig. 14. Two such links 63 and 64 are there shown and are similarly numbered in Fig. 12. These links used throughout may be identical and standard, and each includes notched openings 66 and 66 adapted to hook over the sleeves 62. They are used in pairs along with a normal link 6|, or independently'of a normal link as shown for example at 61 in Fig. 12. The particular links 63 and 64 of Figs. 12 and 14 may be taken as illustrative of their manner of application. In this case they are applied in conjunction with link 6la contained in the prefabricated grille. Fig. 14 it will be noted is an exploded view, and link No and the various other parts are shown displaced from each other andfrom the actual position occupied in Fig. 12. After application to the opposite sides of the link 6la suitable pin or bolt means secure the split links 63 and 64 to the normal link Bla, and also secure the plate 56 thereto. Itwill be seen that each split link is provided with a pair of spaced transverse holes 68 adapted to receive pins 69, the pins straddling the intermediate shank portion of the link 6la. This isshown further in Fig. 13 which is a view of the links similarly applied to plate 58. Each split link has. a pair of arcshaped depressions II adapted to receive additional pins or bolts 12 threaded through the plate segments thereby to secure the plates in place.

As previously noted, where appropriate or desired, the split links may be used in pairs independent of the normal vertical links 6| as shown for example at 61 and I3 in Fig. 12. As so used, the split links are complemental and the arc-shaped depressions combine to form an opening to receive a pin for securing the plate thereto as shown at 14 and at 15 and 16 in Fig. 12. Whether used separately from, or in conjunction with a vertical link 6|, the ultimate result after assembly is a link means of rigid, strong construction which however permits entire freedom of angular movement and there is no interference with the flexibility of the grille.

As shown particularly in Fig. 13 the adjacent ends 11 and 18 of the plates 58 and 59 respectively may be bent inwardly to avoid any possible interference with coiling of the grille on a small radius. These and various other modifications in the shape of the respective plate segments may be employed for producing special artistic shapes designed to lend attractiveness of practicability under various circumstances.

In the interest of simplifying the description and illustration, certain of the parts have been shown in dotted lines in Fig. 12 thereby impairing to some extent the contrast and attractiveness of the character illustrated, but it will be understood that in actual practice the design presented will be in general a uniform flat surface standing out in marked contrast to the surrounding grille structure.

For simplicity the designs selected for illustration have been definite letters of the alphabet, such as initials, but it will be appreciated that in actual practice the design may comprise a number or any selected character designed of a distinctive and individual nature, composed of segmental parts in the nature of links which are suitably hinged and limited in extent to-permit normal flexing of the grille. The laterally extending rods have been shown as straight and of circular cross-section, but it is understood that by rods is meant any transverse member of whatever the size and shape in cross-section and whether straight or winding, for example. It is characteristic of each of the specific forms disclosed that the segments of the design in their ultimate arrangement function also as links flexing readily with the grille as a whole.

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction and diflerent embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A flexible grille comprising a plurality of spaced laterally extending rods; and links flexibly interconnecting said rods, certain of said links being suitably shaped and located relative to each other to form combinedly a distinctive design contrastive to the surrounding grille structure when the grille is in position but permitting ready flexing of the grille. 2. A flexible grille closure comprising a plurality of parallel rods extending horizontally and vertically spaced; vertical links flexibly interconnecting adjacent rods; and means for locating and holding said links in predetermined position respectively against lateral displacement, the respective links being suitably shaped and held in appropriate p0 ition by their locating means thereby to form combinedly a distinctive individual design.

3. A flexible grille closure adapted to be coiled at will into ineflfective position comprising a plurality of laterally extending rods; links flexibly interconnecting and spacing said rods; and means for locating and holding said links respectively in predetermined position, said links being suitably shaped to form combinedly a distinctive individual design.

4. A flexible grille closure comprising a plurality of laterally extending rods; links flexibly interconnecting adjacent rods, certain of said links being suitably shaped successively to form combinedly a letter.

5. A flexible grille closure adapted to be coiled into ineifective position at will, comprising a plurality of laterally extending rods; links hingedly interconnecting adjacent rods, a series oi. successive links being suitably shaped respectively to form combinedly a letter when the grille is in its uncoiled position, and said hinged connections permitting the grille to be coiled readily as desired.

6. A flexible grille comprising a plurality of spaced laterally extending rods; links flexibly interconnecting adjacent rods, certain of said links successively adjacent to each other in a portion of the grille intermediate of the ends and sides thereof having interlocking portions and being specially shaped respectively to form combinedly when the grille is adjusted to its closing position a distinctive character design contrastive to the surrounding grille structure but permitting ready flexing of the grille when adjusting to open position.

7. A flexible grille comprising a plurality of spaced laterally extending rods; and links flexibly interconnecting adjacent rods, certain of said links successively adjacent each other being provided with flat outer surfaces and being suitably shaped to form combinedly when the grille is in eirective position, a continuously extending surface comprising a distinctive character design.

8. A flexible grille comprising a series of spaced rods; and links intermediate adjacent rods and having hinge connections therewith, certain of said links successively adjacent having their outer surfaces suitably shaped respectively and successively abutting when the grille is in effective position to form combinedly a continuously extending surface comprising a distinctive de- Sign contrastive to the surrounding grille strucure.

9. A flexible grille comprising a series of spaced rods; and links intermediate adjacent rods, said links having hinge connections therewith to provide a flexible supporting and spacing means, and being specially shaped respectively thereby concurrently to form a letter in their combined contour when the grille is in extended effective position.

10. A flexible grille closure comprising a series of spaced laterally extending rods; and links flexibly interconnecting said rods, certain of said links being provided with outer surfaces suitably shaped respectively and having abutting edges when the grille is in extended effective position thereby to form a distinctive character design contrastive to thesurrounding grille structure, but permitting free flexing of said grille for retraction thereof to the open position.

11. A grille closure adapted to flex over a roller for adjustment to open position having supporting rods and links and having embodied therein a distinctive character design comprised of segmental parts, said parts being hingedly connected together thereby to avoid interference with said flexing.

12. A grille closure adapted to flex over a roller for adjustment to open position having supporting rods and interconnecting links and having embodied therein a distinctive individual design comprised of segmental parts, said parts being interlocked laterally and hingedly connected together thereby serving concurrently as connecting links while permitting free flexing of the grille for adjustment to open position.

13. A flexible grille comprising a series of spaced laterally extending rods; supporting links flexibly interconnecting adjacent rods; and a distinctive design of segmental parts embodied in said grille structure comprising successively arranged segments having outer substantially flat surface portions and ear portions adapted to encircle respectively the adjacent rods to form a hinge connection, said parts thereby concurrently forming supporting links between the rods and combinedly forming said character design when the grille is in its extended closing position.

14. A flexible grille adapted tobe flexed readily in the retraction thereof to open position, comprising spaced laterally extending rods; and a plurality of links flexibly interconnecting said rods, certain of said links having outer flat surfaces suitably shaped respectively and adapted to have abutting edges when the grille is in its closed position thereby to form a continuous flat surface of a combined contour comprising a letter.

15. A flexible grille comprising laterally extending members; and a plurality of links flexibly mounted on and interconnecting certain of said -members, said links being successively arranged and having parts rigid therewith respectively suitably shaped and associated with the corresponding parts of adjacent links to form combinedly a distinctive individual design contrastive to the adjoining grille structure. .7

16. A flexible grille having embodied therein distinctive character comprised of segmental parts, said parts being hingedly mounted on said grille to permit ready flexing of the grille.

1'7. A flexible grille having embodied therein a distinctive character design, said design being comprised of segmental parts, and means for hingedly mounting said parts on said grille and in suitably associated relation to form said design when the grille is in extended position while permitting ready flexing of the grille for retraction thereof.

18. In combination with a flexible grille having supporting rods, means for embodying therein a distinctive character design comprising links adapted to hook over said rods and secured in hinge relation thereto; and segmental parts secured to spaced ones of said links for relative angular movement in the flexing of said grille, said parts combinedly forming said character design.

MILTON L. CORNELL. A. H. GRAFF. ROWLAND K. BENNETT. 

